Chapter 8

It's weird, Kise thinks as he stands on the train; his shoulder pressing roughly against Aomine's as the area begins to crowd with people. All of it is weird, because it's as though nothing has changed. At least, that's what the both of them are acting like. Aomine stands there with his usual nonchalant expression, navy orbs staring out the window of the moving train. They haven't spoken much, just casual exchanges of sign language, fake smiles, and sometimes even brief eye contact if Kise stares long enough. Nothing has changed, yet everything has changed. It's all make-believe, pretend. And Kise can't help but wonder why he had agreed to meet up with Aomine in the first place.

What's for the best and what is the best; two entirely different concepts that are difficult to tell apart. Kise has a tendency to pick what is the best, being that he tends to think in the moment. The future doesn't appeal much to him, because the future is not guaranteed. Some people will base their whole life on how they want their future to turn out, and in turn, never have a chance to enjoy the present time. So when Aomine texts him after a week of blatant avoidance, Kise texts back. Even as his mind tells him to do otherwise; 'maybe this isn't for the best.'

It might not be for the best, but he wanted nothing more than to speak with Aomine, to see him again.

"This is our stop," Aomine says, and he finally turns his gaze to Kise. They look at each other for what seems like eternity, emotions hidden and breathing halted. It's not until someone bumps into Kise that the eye contact is broken, and they begin hurriedly making their way off of the train.

The rest of their walk is silent; uneasy, even. Although things are usually silent between the two because of Aomine's inability to hear, there's something different about the quiet mood. It's sort of like two strangers unintentionally walking in the same direction; suspicious as to why the other is following them.

"You like teriyaki?" Again, Aomine is the one to break the silence; something foreign for the both of them.

It's as though they switched roles; Aomine attempting to reach out for Kise instead of vice versa. When they first met, Kise had been so set on trying to get Aomine to loosen up around him; to smile instead of scowl. It seemed as though Kise had been looking at Aomine's back all this time; chasing him, yet getting nowhere. And just when he decided he was through trailing behind someone who doesn't care, Aomine turned around to finally face him.

Kise nods stiffly, his smile empty, though visible. Are you going to tell me where we're going yet? He asks.

Aomine keeps his hands stuffed in his pockets, expression indecipherable, and his arid lips slightly parted as he hesitates to respond; "To get teriyaki burgers, obviously," he says. "I owe you." Their shoulders brush lightly and Kise is quick to create distance between them. There's something about the slight contact that causes his skin to tingle in an oddly exhilarating way. It's the same sensation of being statically shocked; an abrupt jolt that causes you to swiftly pull away.

You don't owe me anything… Kise signs.

"Yeah I do…" Aomine averts his gaze. "You took me out to lunch that one time… when we got soup. And this is the least I can do to make amends… for ignoring you and stuff."

He's not entirely sure if he's glad Aomine is honest about the fact or not, but his throat feels as though it constricts, and his breath hitches. The situation isn't being avoided; not entirely at least. Kise had expected Aomine to be the type to never bring it up, to act as though the whole thing never happened.

Their conversation is left hanging at that, mostly because Kise's doesn't know how to respond. And he happens to pay attention to Aomine's subtle body languages. Usually, when he turns his gaze in the middle of a conversation, it means he doesn't want to further discuss it. If he can't see your hands, he can't see your words.

It's not long before their both sitting in some small restaurant, teriyaki burgers in hand, and surrounded by couples and friends eating out as well. There's this look on Aomine's face as he stares down at his food, as though he's contemplating where he wants to take a bite, but Kise is not too sure. Anything can be going through his mind at that moment.

"Can we talk?" Aomine finally says as he sets his burger back on its crumpled wrapper. The way his eyes flicker up, it causes Kise to swallow his food harshly and stiffen in his seat.

Of course, Kise signs after setting his burger down.

Although Aomine is looking at him, he's not looking at him. He's staring at Kise's nose, probably an attempt to avoid direct eye contact. Sometimes, his navy hues will swiftly glance down at his lips, as though he's trying not to stare at one spot for too long. Kise reaches up to push a few strands of hair behind his ear, and then leans forward a bit in hopes to catch Aomine's gaze. His brows are raised, expression displaying his curiosity.

I like hanging out with you, Aomine finally says, though his eyes remain set on the tip of Kise's nose. Which is why I started avoiding you. There's an elongated pause in Aomine's hand gestures, and Kise remains stiff, silent even, with wide eyes. It's frustrating, because I've never really minded being deaf. I have a reason to block people out of my mind. But now… He drops his hands, and leaves his sentence hanging.

Curious as to what Aomine is trying to get at, Kise's brows furrow, and he tilts his head the slightest bit. What? He presses the subject; the movement of his hands grabbing the tanned male's attention.

No, it's stupid, Aomine responds.

Kise frowns and leans back in his seat.

I'll tell you another time. The point is, I like hanging out with you, Aomine says, and he finally makes eye contact with Kise for the first time since they arrived at the restaurant. There's something about the way his eyes shine underneath the dim light of the room that causes Kise's stomach to plummet; it's a look he's never seen Aomine give him before.

Even with Aomine saying it; Kise can't believe it. It's just hard for the blond to believe that a person can just so effortlessly push away someone that they claim to care for. That's not how relationships work, whether they be friendships or beyond that. He's never experienced that sense of fear from having grown close to a person, if anything he feels the opposite.

Though, he supposes he can understand, if Aomine feels the same as he does. It's not just that he likes hanging out with him; it's that he likes him. And it's confusing, the emotions he feels for Aomine. Because he's never felt that way towards another man, and in a way, it can be frightening; can cause a person who's less open to relationships to put up a barrier and cut all strings in hopes to bury and forget the foreign emotions deriving.

Well, I like hanging out with you too, Kise finally responds. And since he finally has Aomine's attention, he continues. But… Don't think I'm okay with what you did. And don't think you can walk all over me, or treat me as though I don't have feelings either, Aominecchi. Texting me 'yo' after having ignored me for weeks is never okay. Just tell me you don't want to talk to me next time. I'm not always this… Forgiving.

I didn't say you were, Aomine says.

I'm being serious, Kise frowns.

Aomine pauses a moment, then says, I'm being serious too. Then he returns his gaze to the tip of Kise's nose. I have no intentions of ignoring you again.

Some part of him wants to make a fiery remark, though he refrains; seeing as Aomine is actually being sincere with his words.

Good. I've had to eat all those popsicles by myself, Kise teases. Feeling as though the awkward tension has finally been alleviated somewhat, he lets a genuine smile grace his lips. It's almost frustrating to think that this is all he wanted over the past week, even if he tried convincing himself that Aomine didn't matter; that music is the only thing he should be worrying about.

Though his time away from Aomine only caused his passion for singing to dim. Meeting Aomine was the peak of his career; writing songs had never been easier, and he felt extremely confident in his vocals. Despite Aomine not being able to hear his song, he felt as though one day he would. In a sense, Aomine was his muse; someone that sparked his creativity and heightened his enthusiasm in music.

A humored scoff escapes the tanned male's lips, and he reaches down to pick up his burger. "Sounds horrible," sarcasm laces his deep tone.

And although Aomine can't hear him, Kise retorts, "You're horrible."


"Just think, senpai. One day, we'll have one of our very own," Kise says as he plops down into a seat on the couch.

It's not often that they get to rent out the local studio, being that they aren't privileged with money, but they managed to save enough gained from their concerts over the past month. It's a small studio, nothing special, but it's still an exciting experience; getting to have the place to themselves for a full day. The last time they got to use the studio was a bit over a month ago, so the place almost seemed foreign when they first walked in. Despite that, they wasted no time in making themselves at home.

Kasamatsu sets his guitar against the wall and sits next to Kise. "Yeah, it'll be nice," he says.

Humming softly under his breath, Kise sinks in his spot; finally relaxing after having worked nonstop for the past few hours. He begins subconsciously tapping his foot on the ground, creating a tune of his own that seems to even have Kasamatsu nodding his head to. They remain this way for a few minutes, silent and at ease; appreciating each second they have in the studio.

"You seem happy today," Kasamatsu finally says.

There's something about the statement that catches Kise off guard, and his brows furrow the slightest bit; his humming immediately coming to a halt. "Of course I am," he says.

"Well, you've just been a little down in the dumps lately. I mean, it's not anything too obvious. I'm sure no one else has said anything to you, because no one else has noticed. But I know you," Kasamatsu says. "I could tell something had been bothering you all last week. I'm glad that—whatever it was—you got over it."

The never ending thought of Aomine returns to Kise's mind, and he makes this face that says oh, yeah, that. Sometimes he forgets how observant Kasamatsu is, which is much to his disadvantage. Though, he doesn't mind so much, having someone he can be completely honest and open with. "I've been meaning to ask you something. I need advice," Kise says with a sideways glance and an expression that shows he's somewhat reluctant.

"About?"

Kise completely turns his gaze to the other and says, "What do you think about men liking other men?" His voice is a bit shaky, and his stomach churns like he had eaten a bad taco.

Silence accompanies the room, and it's a bit nerve wrecking for Kise as he watches his guitarist's features twist into a confused expression.

"I don't know. People like what they like, that doesn't concern me," Kasamatsu says, indifferently. It takes him a while, but eventually it seems that he's catching on. The bewildered look on his face gradually falters into a more considerate one, and he shifts a bit in his seat. "I mean, I don't have a problem with it, if that's what you're asking."

Kise lets out a dry laugh. "You probably think horribly of me now." A swift jab is thrown at Kise's side, causing him to clutch the area and let out a small, breathless yelp. "Kasamatsu—"

"Don't be an idiot. Why the hell would I think any less than you? I told you, it doesn't concern me," Kasamatsu says, looking up at him. "If you like women, then so be it. If you like men, then so be it. It all comes down to what makes you happy. That's all that really matters."

To say Kise had been caught off guard would be an understatement. Kasamatsu never ceases to amaze him, it's like he's a walking shrine of wisdom.

"Thank you…" Kise mutters quietly under his breath, his hand still clutching at his side although the pain has subsided.

"Don't thank me… Does anyone else know about this?" Kasamatsu asks.

"No, that's why I needed your advice. I really like this guy, but I don't know if he likes me back."

Kasamatsu frowns slightly. "I wouldn't even be able to give you girl advice if I wanted to. Sorry, kid. But if you really like him, just go for it, I guess. The worst that can happen is he rejects you."

"Yeah, well… this is different. I don't want him to think I'm gross or anything," Kise says, sulking.

"You'll never know unless you find out, right?"

That's the thing. Kise isn't sure if he wants to find out; he isn't sure if it's worth ruining a friendship that had just been mended. And at the same time, he's not sure if he can continue pretending that his feelings for Aomine are completely platonic.

"Right," Kise muses, and forces a small smile.


There's this look on Aomine's face, it's sort of impossible not to stare. His eyes are half-lidded with obvious exhaustion, his lips are slightly parted, each breath is soft and relaxed, and Kise can tell he's on the verge of falling asleep.

The room is dim, except for the flickering light of the television, which displays a movie the both of them picked out just a few minutes prior. Aomine has his armed stretched across the back of the couch, and Kise has resorted to scooting all the way to the other end so that there's no possibility of accidental body contact. He can't help but wonder what it's like to watch a movie with no sound and subtitles. Though, he supposes it's no different than reading sign language but not being able to hear the words.

"This movie is stupid…" Aomine's words are slurred and low, and if Kise hadn't been more in tune to him than he is to the movie, then he might have not heard him.

For a swift second, Kise turns his gaze to the screen to see a couple kissing, tears pricking at the corner of the girl's eyes as though she was overflowing with happiness. His eyes drop down to his hands, and he swallows over a forming lump in his throat. He hates this, being in a room with Aomine and pretending that everything is fine.

"Shit…" Kise breathes, and he lets his eyes flutter close.

"You okay?" Aomine asks, and Kise's head snaps up to see that he's staring at him.

If he says yes, he'd be lying. So instead, he forces a smile and turns his gaze away; copying Aomine's method of avoiding confrontation. Though, he momentarily forgets that he can't do the same things as Aomine, because turning his eyes elsewhere will not keep him from hearing the questions being asked.

"Kise…" Aomine's voice is stern.

It's now or never, Kise thinks, his heart thumping harshly enough against his chest that he's sure if Aomine wasn't deaf, he'd be able to hear it. After having internally encouraged himself, Kise slowly scoots closer to Aomine, his movements causing the couch to shake beneath them. Aomine looks confused, and his brows pinch together as though he disapproves of the sudden invasion of his space. The room is completely silent, except background noise the movie is providing.

Honey-brown hues trail down to Aomine's lips, and he's sure that his intentions are obvious now. The tension in the room is thick enough to cut through with a butter knife, and Kise feels as though he's going to pass out right then and there. He leans forward; his heart skipping multiple beats as his face inches closer to Aomine's. And just as their lips are about to touch, Aomine leans back, his face twisted into a scowl, and his lips pressed into a straight line. Kise feels as though the whole world has stopped spinning as the navy eyes of the other male stare into his own.

"I… don't know if you could tell," Kise begins, despite having been slightly rejected. He knows Aomine can't hear him, but he's always been good at expressing his emotions verbally. It's easier this way, whether or not his words are being comprehended. "But I like you… And I thought it'd be sort of cool if we could be together—"

It's like a spark, when Aomine suddenly leans in to press their lips together. He feels a jolt rush from his mouth through the rest of his body, causing his toes to curl into the carpet beneath his feet. Kise's body stiffens, and his eyes grow wide in disbelief as their teeth clash against each other in an almost unpleasant way. Aomine's not the best kisser; he can tell by the way his lips nervously move against his own in a somewhat timid manner. But none of this matters to Kise in that moment. Aomine is kissing him.

After what seems to be not long enough, Aomine finally pulls away, and his eyes are closed. "I have no idea what you were saying. But if you want to kiss me, then just do it," he says, breathless.

There's this sudden rush of heat that rises to Kise's face, causing his skin to tint a slight shade of pink, and he's glad Aomine isn't looking to see that he's in a complete daze.

With Aomine's eyes shut, he can't respond through words, so instead, he reaches up to cup his face in his hands. The sudden contact causes Aomine's lids to flutter open once again, and there's a surprisingly soft look graces his tanned features. Aomine's skin is warm against his fingertips, and he can feel how smooth and hairless the area is.

"I like you," Kise says more confidently this time, and he makes sure to draw out each word so that there's a possibility that Aomine can read his lips.

They maintain eye contact for a few more seconds before a small sigh pulls itself from Aomine's lips. "I like you too," he responds.